JOIN USSharmila Nicollete and veteran Smriti Mehra will lead the Indian challenge in the Hero Women's India Open beginning on Thursday at the Delhi Golf Club.
The Indians will be challenged by 18 strong Thai women professionals in the fray.
The Thais have had a good record in the tournament with rising star Pornanong Phatlum winning it thrice (2008, 2009 and 2012) and defending champion Thidapa Suwannapura bagging it in 2013.
“Like last year, my target this week will be to keep the ball in the fairway. This is a unique course.
“Even the Thai male golfers find it very hard to play. I just hope my putter works this week," said a confident-sounding defending champion.
Former champions Laura Davies (2010) and Caroline Hedwell (2011), however, will be skipping the tournament.
Sharmila, who is coming back from a severe stomach infection, was happy with her form.
"I am feeling healthier now and have worked out intensively in the past few weeks. I am hitting the balls much more straighter, thanks to my new technique,” said the Bengaluru golfer.
Added Smriti: "In this beautiful course you need to manage your game, I hope this will carry me through.”